1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Fiat 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (109 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1500 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2537 mm |
